Boat Operators Struggle With Heavier Load

By

Kris Maher

Updated May 8, 2012 8:29 p.m. ET

The growing girth of Americans is leaving one industry feeling less than buoyant.

Since December, companies that operate passenger boats have had to comply with a new rule issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that raises the assumed average weight of a passenger to 185 pounds, up from 140 pounds, an estimate in use since 1960.